This is a nice movie in spite of the low rating that viewers have given it. And I'm not surprised that it got such ratings. Most Americans would not like this movie because it doesn't have enough action. This is a movie about real life relationships, past and present; about how different people adapt to changing situations; and about how life's decisions are made. This is a movie about how real people live, what they say, and how they love. I especially liked the ending. I think most of the acting was good too. I thought all three of Delia's daughters did a fine job. I especially liked her youngest daughter, Cissy; wise beyond her years. I can remember her from "The Blue Car". I was so frustrated with Amanda's rote religious jumbo that I wanted her mother to grab her and give her a good shaking. But if you love someone enough, I suppose you often put up with that sort of thing.
18 Reviews
Credible, emotional drama.
ChrisG-82 November 2004
I don't really understand why this is so lowly rated as of the time of my review. This is a serious drama, competently directed and believably acted by all. The story held my interest and the wonderful Kyra Sedgwick delivered another good performance. As is usual for me, I haven't read the book and knew very little about the story before watching. Unusual for me, I watched it despite the low rating here and I am glad I did. I am sure the character played by Kyra Sedgwick couldn't be farther from who she really is but she sure knew what she wanted to do with this part.
If you want comedy or action, other films should be considered. If want to think about life, love, parenthood, and dying, this one should hold your interest.
Chris
If you want comedy or action, other films should be considered. If want to think about life, love, parenthood, and dying, this one should hold your interest.
Chris
Well-done drama but too serious, no one has any fun at all!
TxMike15 January 2006
Warning: Spoilers
About 1 hour and 7 minutes into this movie I realized that the story is totally joyless. By that I mean, even when things are going bad in real life, over a series of days and weeks there are a few funny or joyous things that happen anyway. But this movie is joyless. It is a good story, and has a very realistic feel to much of it, except for the non-stop somberness.
This is mainly the Kyra Sedgwick show, she produces and stars as Delia Byrd, who had abandoned her abusive husband and two small girls some 12 to 14 years earlier in rural Georgia, to travel and sing with a band. Now, in LA with another young daughter about 12, she decides to go back to Georgia and try to make things right. A very difficult task.
SPOILERS. Her real life husband Kevin Bacon plays the rock star that she ran off with, he gets killed at the beginning in a car accident, this is the spark to head back home. She is not well received by the townspeople nor her teen daughters, one which has become a fanatic Christian and the other runs around with guys all night. But Delia's abusive husband (Aidan Quinn) is very sick, dying, she moves into his house and has the daughters join them, the husband dies, Delia makes the first steps at reconciliation with her daughters as the movie ends.
Sherilyn Fenn adds a bit of joy and a few smiles as old friend M.T. who now is a mechanic. Old Brit Jackie Burroughs, looking a lot like Lyle Lovett, plays the mean old Grandma Windsor who had been keeping Delia's daughters and had turned them against mom.
This is mainly the Kyra Sedgwick show, she produces and stars as Delia Byrd, who had abandoned her abusive husband and two small girls some 12 to 14 years earlier in rural Georgia, to travel and sing with a band. Now, in LA with another young daughter about 12, she decides to go back to Georgia and try to make things right. A very difficult task.
SPOILERS. Her real life husband Kevin Bacon plays the rock star that she ran off with, he gets killed at the beginning in a car accident, this is the spark to head back home. She is not well received by the townspeople nor her teen daughters, one which has become a fanatic Christian and the other runs around with guys all night. But Delia's abusive husband (Aidan Quinn) is very sick, dying, she moves into his house and has the daughters join them, the husband dies, Delia makes the first steps at reconciliation with her daughters as the movie ends.
Sherilyn Fenn adds a bit of joy and a few smiles as old friend M.T. who now is a mechanic. Old Brit Jackie Burroughs, looking a lot like Lyle Lovett, plays the mean old Grandma Windsor who had been keeping Delia's daughters and had turned them against mom.
Dwell is Dwull!!!!!
meeza16 February 2005
I dwell on the humdrum experience that is the indie film "Cavedweller". Someone should have "redlighted" this "Cavedweller" and eternally shelve it in its cave. Kyra Sedgwick stars as Delia Byrd, a recent widower who returns to her small hometown in Georgia in hoping to reunite with her adolescent daughters from her first marriage; or in other words the Bird left her California dwell to get Georgia on her mind again. This movie does deserve lifetime achievements; meaning it should only be playing on the "Lifetime" channel. Sedgwick, who is Kevin Bacon's wife in real life, proves that Mr. Bacon is the only one in that dwellhold who is worthy of bringing home the acting bacon. Sorry, Kyra! I guess I got "kyrad" away! Aidan Quinn plays Delia's moribund alcoholic ex-husband who pleads to her to live out his final days with her at his side with their two daughters. Quinn continues his cold thespian streak. He was a mighty acting quinn at one time, but has not shined on screen since his work in "Legends of the Fall". How the legends fall quickly! Director Lisa Cholodenko's noncreative vision of "Cavedweller" was as dark & tedious as a cave itself. "Cavedweller" could have been much better! ** Needs Improvement
One step away from a movie of the week
jimcheva16 February 2005
Oprah should have produced this.
-------------------------------- Oh gosh. Turns out I have to add ten lines. OK. Consider what follows a very wordy way of saying the above. (Is concision no longer considered a virtue?) There may be original unexpected parts in Allison's novel, but a story of going home to the South and of escaping an abusive husband needs SOMETHING to make it seem new. The main character has good reasons for the hurtful thing she's done, but the cause of death of her second mate doesn't exactly set her up as someone to sympathize with, and her long-time neglect of her daughters needs more justification than we get. The fervently Christian daughter has one touching reason for her faith that takes her beyond caricature, but only momentarily. Sedgwick's character is so stock it's hard to fault her for not taking it much beyond the obvious. The most compelling acting is by the LA and Christian daughters and the grandparents. Even the music (a rich lode to mine once you're in the South) makes the "Dawson's Creek" soundtracks sound inspired.
-------------------------------- Oh gosh. Turns out I have to add ten lines. OK. Consider what follows a very wordy way of saying the above. (Is concision no longer considered a virtue?) There may be original unexpected parts in Allison's novel, but a story of going home to the South and of escaping an abusive husband needs SOMETHING to make it seem new. The main character has good reasons for the hurtful thing she's done, but the cause of death of her second mate doesn't exactly set her up as someone to sympathize with, and her long-time neglect of her daughters needs more justification than we get. The fervently Christian daughter has one touching reason for her faith that takes her beyond caricature, but only momentarily. Sedgwick's character is so stock it's hard to fault her for not taking it much beyond the obvious. The most compelling acting is by the LA and Christian daughters and the grandparents. Even the music (a rich lode to mine once you're in the South) makes the "Dawson's Creek" soundtracks sound inspired.
We'd be dead.
damethewoolf31 December 2013
I am one of those Dorothy Allison fanatics. Currently, I am working my way through the book for a second time. Unfortunately, this movie is but an eighth of the book, and in my opinion, a very poorly constructed eighth of a fantastic novel. Before watching any movie based on a novel by Dorothy Allison, you should read the book. Her books are highly emotional, and this movie is just emotionally confusing. These emotions are selfish, and geared more towards my own irritation, rather than emotions felt for the circumstances of the characters. Unlike my experiences with the novel, I could not develop any sort of personal familiarity with the characters. What does that mean? It means that this all-star cast of magnificent actresses and actors have wasted their time on an overall ineffective portrayal of complex characters with complex problems. The process of adaptation was a complete failure in my opinion, and if our lives were dependent upon it, we'd be dead!
Georgia on my mind
jotix10019 October 2004
Dorothy Allison's excellent novel "Cavedweller" is the source of this film of the same title. Ms. Allison's novels are about real people going through tough times in their lives. This movie was adapted by Anne Meredith from the massive novel and the essence of it comes across under the sure direction of Lisa Cholodenko. Ms. Cholodenko's other films show she has an affinity to present characters that are always at crossroads of their lives.
This film though, owes a great deal to the courageous performance of Kyra Sedgwick, who gets under the skin of Delia to show us what makes this woman ticks. We see Delia at the beginning in a desolated beach in Los Angeles. She is lost in thought, but evidently, at that moment she has made up her mind to make amends to her past. When she gets home she decides to leave everything behind and go to Georgia with Cissy, her youngest daughter.
In flashbacks we get to see Delia's life go through her mind. We learn about the abusive husband, Clint. Also, we witness her betrayal to him and how she leaves her two young daughters for a musician, Randall. Their attraction is all physical; Randall is a man who can't be true to any woman, or remain in a loving relationship.
Delia shows her courage in going back to the small town where everyone knows what she did. Her taciturn father takes her in, reluctantly. She goes to see her two daughters, who by now are teen agers; they reject her, as well as the paternal grandmother. But it's Clint, the dying man she left behind, the one that is able to reunite Delia with her daughters. It takes a lot for anyone to go back to that situation and Delia shows she is a woman that can see now where she went wrong, if only a bit late.
The acting is first rate. Ms. Sedgwick, as Delia, has the best opportunity. Young Regan Arnold gives an amazing performance as Cissy, the younger daughter who is too wise for her young age. Aidan Quinn, as Clint, has good moments, but of course, the men in this movie are secondary characters. Kevin Bacon is seen in flashbacks and has little to do. Jackie Burrows, as the grandmother shows us a woman consumed in her hatred of Delia. Vanessa Zima plays Amanda, the oldest daughter who has turned to religion to compensate by what her young mind can't comprehend.
This is not a film for everybody. Watch it because Kyra Sedgwick deserves to be seen and because it's a story that is original and unique in that is so anti Hollywood, made by a rising voice in film directing: Lisa Cholodenko.
This film though, owes a great deal to the courageous performance of Kyra Sedgwick, who gets under the skin of Delia to show us what makes this woman ticks. We see Delia at the beginning in a desolated beach in Los Angeles. She is lost in thought, but evidently, at that moment she has made up her mind to make amends to her past. When she gets home she decides to leave everything behind and go to Georgia with Cissy, her youngest daughter.
In flashbacks we get to see Delia's life go through her mind. We learn about the abusive husband, Clint. Also, we witness her betrayal to him and how she leaves her two young daughters for a musician, Randall. Their attraction is all physical; Randall is a man who can't be true to any woman, or remain in a loving relationship.
Delia shows her courage in going back to the small town where everyone knows what she did. Her taciturn father takes her in, reluctantly. She goes to see her two daughters, who by now are teen agers; they reject her, as well as the paternal grandmother. But it's Clint, the dying man she left behind, the one that is able to reunite Delia with her daughters. It takes a lot for anyone to go back to that situation and Delia shows she is a woman that can see now where she went wrong, if only a bit late.
The acting is first rate. Ms. Sedgwick, as Delia, has the best opportunity. Young Regan Arnold gives an amazing performance as Cissy, the younger daughter who is too wise for her young age. Aidan Quinn, as Clint, has good moments, but of course, the men in this movie are secondary characters. Kevin Bacon is seen in flashbacks and has little to do. Jackie Burrows, as the grandmother shows us a woman consumed in her hatred of Delia. Vanessa Zima plays Amanda, the oldest daughter who has turned to religion to compensate by what her young mind can't comprehend.
This is not a film for everybody. Watch it because Kyra Sedgwick deserves to be seen and because it's a story that is original and unique in that is so anti Hollywood, made by a rising voice in film directing: Lisa Cholodenko.
A film really worth watching
windsprint24 October 2004
I watched the Cavedweller at first after channel surfing with mild interest.
Soon the plot captured my attention and became riveting. As a former victim of severe domestic violence (ex now in prison for molesting our son as well) I know what a struggle this woman overcame for the love of her daughters. Like her I had to come to the realization that I would have been killed by my ex husband, as well as my only child if I had stayed and had no other family or support to run to. I commend this character's courage and only wonder if I would have done the same. As the movie essay says the performance of the female cast is very powerful, but I must include that Aiden Quinn also did a spectacular job in this, portraying someone completely against his normal characters. Well Done!
Soon the plot captured my attention and became riveting. As a former victim of severe domestic violence (ex now in prison for molesting our son as well) I know what a struggle this woman overcame for the love of her daughters. Like her I had to come to the realization that I would have been killed by my ex husband, as well as my only child if I had stayed and had no other family or support to run to. I commend this character's courage and only wonder if I would have done the same. As the movie essay says the performance of the female cast is very powerful, but I must include that Aiden Quinn also did a spectacular job in this, portraying someone completely against his normal characters. Well Done!
Excellent drama
amanda-475 May 2004
I saw `Cavedweller' at the Tribeca Film Festival. I haven't read the book, but this movie is only a small part of the book.
Kyra Sedgwick once again proves herself to be a very versatile actress, she's amazing in this movie as her character struggles with her emotions. All three daughters do a wonderful job, but Regan Arnold stands out as the fish-out-of-water youngest daughter, moved suddenly from L.A. to small-town Georgia. Aidan Quinn is very strong in a rather ugly role. Kevin Bacon has a bit part but is wonderful, as always. Jill Scott, in what I believe is her acting debut, is wonderful and provides some needed light-hearted moments in the midst of all the heavy drama. Jackie Burroughs is terrific as the tough-as-nails grandmother.
If you want to watch a romantic comedy, then this movie is not the one for you. If you want to watch a solid drama with excellent writing and acting, this movie will leave you more than satisfied.
Kyra Sedgwick once again proves herself to be a very versatile actress, she's amazing in this movie as her character struggles with her emotions. All three daughters do a wonderful job, but Regan Arnold stands out as the fish-out-of-water youngest daughter, moved suddenly from L.A. to small-town Georgia. Aidan Quinn is very strong in a rather ugly role. Kevin Bacon has a bit part but is wonderful, as always. Jill Scott, in what I believe is her acting debut, is wonderful and provides some needed light-hearted moments in the midst of all the heavy drama. Jackie Burroughs is terrific as the tough-as-nails grandmother.
If you want to watch a romantic comedy, then this movie is not the one for you. If you want to watch a solid drama with excellent writing and acting, this movie will leave you more than satisfied.
A journey of life kinda film.
hj0902x97 September 2004
Although this film has received a lot of criticism in here, (as I have noticed) in my honest opinion, I liked it! My initial thought when the movie started was: "Oh my god, it's another one of those sappy, bad quality movies, you normally see on the Hallmark channel, (which I was watching at the time) but a few minutes into the beginning I got more interested and ended up watching all of it. Start to finish. I will however give a user right in one thing. The scene with the mother when she is driving back home, is far to long and uneventful, but maybe it was intended, to get people to focus more on the later events in the movie. Things I liked about the movie: It had humor. Great actors like Aidan Quinn, and Kevin Bacon, appeared in it. There were awesome music featured in it, and I especially liked how you had to wait to see the flashbacks, so you could understand the movie. It added excitement! The movie is supposed to be gloomy and unforgiving, which is kind of the theme word for the movie! I would like to name movies who resembled it, but I actually haven't seen a movie which resembled this one. It's also funnier than it would seem for those who haven't seen it!
Liked it a lot
donaldnj110 November 2005
I was engaged by the movie. Thought the plot was believable enough, the direction good and the acting superior. One of my favorite sleeper films. Also the title song has remained with me, many months later.
I thought the film dealt well with a number of real human situations involving sibling rivalry, sickness and death, the contrast between rural and urban lifestyles, the breakup of the nuclear family, etc. And I wound up caring about all of the main characters. I don't ask much more of a movie.
It does have an indy feel to it, but I thought that added to the charm. I would definitely add it to my library and watch it every now and then.
I thought the film dealt well with a number of real human situations involving sibling rivalry, sickness and death, the contrast between rural and urban lifestyles, the breakup of the nuclear family, etc. And I wound up caring about all of the main characters. I don't ask much more of a movie.
It does have an indy feel to it, but I thought that added to the charm. I would definitely add it to my library and watch it every now and then.
Redemption
gisellep4 January 2006
I thought this was an important movie.......it wasn't fun to watch, but it was real. I am glad to have watched it. I think it makes you a better person to see some of the ways that people can suffer and try to understand their spirits. I think Kyra did a good job with this role. She showed us how you can be strong and weak at the same time. How you can hate and love at the same time. How your actions are so important and what you do with your life. That being a victim isn't always a choice - but sometimes it is a hard choice. I also liked how the kids didn't perfectly forgive her or come out OK in the end. They are broken and different. I think this is a good movie
There is love, there is love, to be found
grrwuff24 April 2009
This gem of a human/adult/child/family relationship movie is based upon a Dorothy Allison novel. A search through my favorite library web base revealed, that another social-realistic novel turned into film,"Bastard out of California", is also her writing, and as well executed as this one.
Here the search for lost love(to a husband and two daughters) brings a woman to cross barriers of social prejudice and fear of losing love again. A beautiful pretrial of courage to believe in the love in the world. Where "Bastard..." is a story of child molesting, this in a more subtle story about love and forgiveness. Really makes me believe, that there is love to be found. Beautifully directed and cut.
Soundtrack lyrics: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0367587/board/nest/32962509
Enjoy
Here the search for lost love(to a husband and two daughters) brings a woman to cross barriers of social prejudice and fear of losing love again. A beautiful pretrial of courage to believe in the love in the world. Where "Bastard..." is a story of child molesting, this in a more subtle story about love and forgiveness. Really makes me believe, that there is love to be found. Beautifully directed and cut.
Soundtrack lyrics: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0367587/board/nest/32962509
Enjoy
Stands out on it's own
jazzstyle12 October 2022
I have not experienced Dorothy Allison's story telling in book form, so I came to this film with a blank canvas. First, I chose it because of the actors; I anticipated I would get quality performances. I was not disappointed, and that doesn't just apply to the leads. The ten rating goes to everyone listed as part of this film. I totally forgot it was a film, didn't notice camera shots, lighting, set decor, and other elements that normally jump out at me. I had simply watched these people in a short series of events in their lives as if I were in an out of body experience. Not one person, not even the extras' reaction shots, came off as not real to me. The production elements were so integrally blended in, I didn't notice them. Even when I praise camera shots, set design, or lighting, I'm partly thinking I shouldn't be noticing those things. I should be too involved in what the director has decided is important in the moment. That's what happened for me with this film. I hand it to the actors, every single one of them, and the production staff, and, without saying, both Dorothy Allison for her original source, and Anne Meredith for extracting a slice of life with so much to say. To me, the film says a lot, by showing rather than telling. The benchmark of good writing, and great films. I''m very happy to have been engrossed by this gem.
A sleeper film with the overall impact of a docu-drama.
astroworks122 November 2004
I first chose to watch "Cavedweller" when I recognized the names of Kyra Sedgwick and Aiden Quinn, and although the title was intriguing, the full meaning didn't reveal itself until much later. This movie, like real life, is about facing difficult, dark, and echoing choices.
Kyra Sedgwick is very believable in her portrayal of the character, Delia, who returns to her small town birthplace of family, friends, and foes. Her patience, subtle strength and will to overcome great odds and criticism, is shown through her actions and inactions of past and present events. Her values and personality are examined with contrasts, balance, and the responsibility to believe in one's self no matter the resulting rewards or failures. And while Delia's three daughters are unique in their own innocence and individuality, each one is a transformed facet of her total personality.
Aiden Quinn delivers a credible performance as Clint, the "mama's boy" abusive husband. To me, one word describes his role - karma.
As a viewer I became completely immersed and wanted to write myself into the script as a coach and say, "Tell them!"
I can relate to the many of the underlying themes. After several years absence on returning to a small town birthplace, where everybody "thinks" they know everybody else's business, I found renewed hope. We can all choose to either rail against the darkness or light a candle.
Kyra Sedgwick is very believable in her portrayal of the character, Delia, who returns to her small town birthplace of family, friends, and foes. Her patience, subtle strength and will to overcome great odds and criticism, is shown through her actions and inactions of past and present events. Her values and personality are examined with contrasts, balance, and the responsibility to believe in one's self no matter the resulting rewards or failures. And while Delia's three daughters are unique in their own innocence and individuality, each one is a transformed facet of her total personality.
Aiden Quinn delivers a credible performance as Clint, the "mama's boy" abusive husband. To me, one word describes his role - karma.
As a viewer I became completely immersed and wanted to write myself into the script as a coach and say, "Tell them!"
I can relate to the many of the underlying themes. After several years absence on returning to a small town birthplace, where everybody "thinks" they know everybody else's business, I found renewed hope. We can all choose to either rail against the darkness or light a candle.
Still don't understand the title, but it's a great movie.
theoheretical-3217318 February 2022
I gave this movie a nine because it's surprised to me, I started out hating this movie and hating Cara Sedgwick's character and then it surprised me and drew me. I'm glad I didn't turn it off at the beginning, which I almost did.
Depressing, and dull.
shizz_2727 June 2004
The new film from Lisa Cholodenko (HIGH ART) is slow and uninvolving. A woman (Kyra Sedgwick) returns to Georgia seeking custody of the two daughters she abandoned years ago. She left their abusive father (played by Aidan Quinn), now ailing, for a rock star (Kevin Bacon, thirty seconds worth), with whom she has another daughter. None of the kids like her. Sedgwick smokes a lot, and sits around looking despondent. There are lots of close-ups of her driving, and reflecting on the past, feeling sorry for herself. And, numerous shots of sunsets. But, Cholodenko never decides what to do with any of it. There's no real direction, here -- just a series of depressing moments, with no hope in sight.
What a friggin' drag.
What a friggin' drag.
Based on a Dorothy Allison novel and is beautifully done.
angelbix-7776510 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I had not known this book was adapted to screen. I happened upon the title in a recent Kevin Bacon filmography search and immediately clicked on the title to see if it was the same Cavedweller that was one of my favorite Dorothy Allison books. Lo and behold it is! Anyone who is familiar with Dorothy Allison's works knows her stories are gritty and hard. Ms. Allison also wrote B astard Out of Carolina, which was my first introduction to the author and that book was unforgettable. That was also brought to the screen and is one of my most favorite films. Cavedweller is the same indie film feel. The story translates to the screen beautifully. Kyra Sedgewick plays Delia who has left her terribly abusive husband Clint who is played by Aiden Quinn who really portrays the hardened man with great believability. Delia leaves behind her two young daughters because this man was about to kill her. She is a fledgling singer and discovers Kevin Bacon who is in a band and she and Kevin become band mates and lovers and have a daughter, Cissy. A lot of that happy story is only seen briefly in flashbacks. Kevin's character is killed in a car accident and grieving Cissy seems to blame her mother Delia for his death. Delia decides that she needs to go back home to Georgia and reunite with her two other daughters, who by now are teenagers. (At least 10 years have passed since she left, as her daughters are 16 and 14 now and Cissy is about 11 or 12. ) She and Cissy take a road trip back home this is where the meat of the story takes place. I won't give up the details of what happens, but let's just say that I was impressed that they stuck pretty close to the book. Delia's daughters, Dede, 16, and Amanda, 14, are like polar opposites in character. Aidan Quinn's character has also changed a great deal. The character development was done well and this story is about forgiveness and redemption. It also highlights the hypocrisy of some so called Christians that hide behind their fire and brimstone Bible verses, judging others. I loved this movie.
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